—n. (pl. teeth)
1 each of a set of hard bony enamel-coated structures in the jaws of most vertebrates, used for biting and chewing.
2 a toothlike part or projection, e.g. the cog of a gearwheel, the point of a saw or comb, etc.
3 (often foll. by for) one's sense of taste; an appetite or liking.
4 (in pl.) force or effectiveness (the penalties give the contract teeth).
—v.
1 tr. provide with teeth.
2 intr. (of cog-wheels) engage, interlock.
Phrases and idioms:
armed to the teeth completely and elaborately armed or equipped. fight tooth and nail fight very fiercely. get one's teeth into devote oneself seriously to. in the teeth of
1 in spite of (opposition or difficulty etc.).
2 contrary to (instructions etc.).
3 directly against (the wind etc.). set a person's teeth on edge see EDGE. tooth-billed (of a bird) having toothlike projections on the cutting edges of the bill. tooth-comb = fine-tooth comb (see FINE(1)). tooth powder powder for cleaning the teeth. tooth shell = tusk shell.
Derivatives:
toothed adj. (also in comb.). toothless adj. toothlike adj.
Etymology: OE toth (pl. teth) f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.